CVE-2017-15719 in jQuery UI
Summary
by MITRE
In Wicket jQuery UI 6.28.0 and earlier, 7.9.1 and earlier, and 8.0.0-M8 and earlier, a security issue has been discovered in the WYSIWYG editor that allows an attacker to submit arbitrary JS code to WYSIWYG editor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15719 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Wicket jQuery UI library affecting multiple versions including 6.28.0 and earlier, 7.9.1 and earlier, and 8.0.0-M8 and earlier. This security issue specifically targets the WYSIWYG editor component that is commonly used in web applications built with the Apache Wicket framework. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the rich text editing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of affected applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the WYSIWYG editor's handling of user input where malicious JavaScript code can be embedded within HTML content that gets rendered back to users. When the editor processes content containing crafted JavaScript payloads, the insufficient sanitization allows these scripts to bypass security controls and execute in the victim's browser context. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79 as "Cross-site Scripting" and specifically aligns with CWE-74 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component." The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged by attackers to perform session hijacking, defacement of web pages, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of applications relying on Wicket jQuery UI components. Attackers can leverage this flaw to steal user sessions, manipulate application data, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate within the context of the vulnerable application. The widespread adoption of Apache Wicket framework components means that numerous web applications across different industries could be affected by this vulnerability. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as attackers can directly execute JavaScript code against users within the application context. The vulnerability also enables potential privilege escalation scenarios where authenticated users can be tricked into executing malicious scripts that may access sensitive application functionality or data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15719 require immediate action including upgrading to patched versions of Wicket jQuery UI where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding. Organizations should implement comprehensive content security policies that restrict script execution within rich text editors and ensure that all user-generated content undergoes strict validation before being rendered. The implementation of a robust web application firewall can provide additional protection layers, while regular security audits of web applications should include verification of all rich text editor components. Security teams should also establish proper input validation routines that specifically target JavaScript code patterns and implement proper output encoding for all dynamic content rendered in web applications. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious content and proper security practices can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering vectors.